Russia signals slower rate cuts amid high Ukraine war spending
Russia's central bank on Friday cut its benchmark interest rate to 14.25 percent from 14.5 percent, less than analysts expected, and signalled a more cautious approach to further monetary policy easing as the Ukraine war takes a growing toll on Moscow's finances.
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Fritz gets revenge on Shelton to reach Halle semis
American Taylor Fritz battled past Ben Shelton in three sets on Friday to reach the semi-finals in Halle five days after losing the title match to his countryman in Stuttgart.
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Henry strikes as New Zealand lead England by 100 runs in 2nd Test
Matt Henry took five wickets as New Zealand strengthened their grip on the second Test against England on Friday by establishing a first-innings lead of 100 runs.
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Heatwave hits more than half of France's population
More than half of France's population were dealing with scorching temperatures on Friday, according to AFP's calculations, with hundreds of schools adapting their timetables to keep students out of boiling classrooms.
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Online threats, insults fuel S.Africa's anti-foreigner hate
Inflammatory social media posts -- including of men brandishing a machete or calling foreigners "leeches" -- are stoking emotions around an unofficial demand for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa by the end of the month, fuelling a volatile situation, analysts say.
Read moreUS-Iran deal under immediate strain as fighting flares in Lebanon
Deadly exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon put a newly signed deal to end the Middle East war under further strain on Friday, after the postponement of planned US-Iran talks in Switzerland.
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Former England keeper Earps agrees to join London City Lionesses
Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps announced on Friday she has agreed to join Women's Super League club London City Lionesses after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
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Clark completes first round with two-stroke US Open lead
Wyndham Clark finished his darkness-halted first round of the 126th US Open with two pars on Friday morning, completing a six-under par 64 to hold a two-stroke lead at windy Shinnecock.
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Olympic hurdles medallist Bascou suspended for doping
French hurdler Dimitri Bascou, an Olympic medallist in 2016, was banned for four years on Friday for a positive test for steroids.
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Italian FM cancels US visit over reported Trump comments
Italy's foreign minister on Friday cancelled a visit to the United States over reported comments by US President Donald Trump that appeared to mock Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
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